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Richard A. Anderson

Wealth Management Advisor with Anderson & Associates at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company

Involved with the Community Foundation since 2013

How Rich’s work fuels the power of community:

The foundation for generosity was laid early in Rich’s life, shaping the approach he brings to his work and community involvement today. He recalls a formative childhood experience when his parents encouraged him to help a man who couldn’t afford ice cream. “They let me be the hero that day,” Rich says, reflecting on how his parents taught him the value of small acts of kindness and preserving someone’s dignity. “Philanthropy is sometimes [found in] the simplest acts.”

These early lessons continue to influence Rich’s perspective, especially as a father to two sons in a multi-racial family. Parenthood has deepened his understanding of the strides society must make to overcome prejudice and foster inclusion. These priorities shape how his family shows up for their community for the benefit of future generations. “My wife Kristin and I believe that only through education can the inequalities, hatred, and issues of our world be solved in the long run. Knowledge is true power.” 

In his professional life, Rich encourages clients to find fulfillment in giving by aligning their financial plans with their values. He believes financial wellbeing comes not only from sound planning but also from sharing abundance. “Through my personal philanthropy I developed our organization’s passion and mission, which is to create financially secure families that share that security with their communities. I believe that a way to feel more wealthy is to give away funds to those who are less fortunate.” 

Rich’s journey with the Community Foundation began in 2013, when he identified it as a resource for clients seeking to make a meaningful impact without the complexities (and expenses) of managing a private foundation. He has long appreciated the Foundation’s role in managing the legacy of donors in perpetuity, saying, “Funds get prudently looked after and distributed when clients [and their] families cannot.” Over the years, Rich’s connection deepened as he and Kristin established their first fund in 2021 and their second in 2024. “The Community Foundation helps advisors get a pulse on the needs in our community and what efforts are working and worthwhile.  This way, as an advisor, I can guide my clients, so they can achieve their own fulfillment in their philanthropic plans.” 

Rich’s Advice for Client Conversations
Rich approaches discussions of philanthropy by focusing on authenticity. He encourages advisors to “walk the talk,” emphasizing that living out the values you recommend to clients strengthens trust and credibility.

To guide clients in their charitable giving, Rich poses insightful questions that help uncover values and priorities, like these: 

  1. What values have you tried to instill in your children or others about giving? 
  2. Do you envision a legacy that extends beyond your family? 
  3. How much inheritance is too much, potentially hindering your heirs’ ability to thrive? 
  4. What change in the world or community would inspire more hope for the future? 

Rich’s guidance is grounded in passion and integrity, reflecting the values he lives by and instills in others. “I have always believed in living and advising by example. By doing this, we can really have conviction in what we recommend to clients.” 

Charitable involvement in Rochester:

In addition to being a fundholder at the Community Foundation, Rich serves on the boards of Junior Achievement of Central Upstate New York and Sing-Out Company. He and Kristin also oversee scholarship and leadership funds at their alma mater, St. John Fisher University. Rich’s firm, Anderson & Associates Wealth Management, embraces a culture of service by organizing volunteer days and offering unlimited PTO for individual community involvement. These efforts have included food drives, fundraisers, environmental clean-up projects, and more.


A family of four decked out in swag at the Bills Training Camp

Published January 2025

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